Dr. Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, and Chair of CARICOM, addresses the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government.
MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica--Dr. Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, and Chair of the Caribbean Community CARICOM, has challenged the Region to think strategically and focus on the values of unity in the current global environment, according to a press release from the CARICOM Secretariat.
“As small states, we are vulnerable not just to global economic shocks and natural hazards, but to being marginalised in a world where power and influence often outweigh genuine need. That is why we must think strategically, act collaboratively and remain focused on the values and interests that unite us,” Prime Minister Holness said.
He was delivering the feature address at the opening ceremony of the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in Montego Bay, Jamaica, on July 6. The two-day Heads of Government meeting that concludes today, Tuesday, is convening under the theme, “People, Partnerships and Prosperity – Promoting a Secure and Sustainable Future”, which Prime Minister Holness said “captures the essence of our regional purpose”.
Focus on people
Geopolitical developments and the security and resilience of the Region require a focus on people, “because human development must be the centre of our integration,” Prime Minister Holness said.
He added that ensuring food security, access to decent work, climate protection and opportunities for the youth – who make up 60% of the Region’s populace – were also key areas of people-centred attention, the release states.
Zeroing in on youth engagement in his address, the prime minister stressed that young people must have a voice in shaping the decisions that affect their future.
“Youth across the Region have thoughts and ideas about what we are trying to put in place for them and future generations. As key drivers and consumers of technological advancement, they hold immense potential to contribute meaningfully to our development goals. It is important that we engage them in a deliberate, sustained and meaningful way. Let this meeting send a clear signal – that we view their inclusion not as symbolic, but as a strategic investment in our future,” he said.
Partnerships
The focus on partnerships takes account of the “network of trust” on which global progress is built.
“We need stronger ties within CARICOM and with strategic global partners in Africa, North and South America, Europe, Asia, the Pacific and the Middle East; stronger ties within CARICOM and within strategic global partners in Africa, Europe, North and South America, the Pacific and the Middle East,” Dr. Holness said.
Prosperity
Inclusive and sustainable economic growth, the CARICOM Chair said, must remain “our shared ambition – one that lifts every citizen, especially the most vulnerable.”
“Jamaica will continue to champion initiatives that make these three pillars not just aspirations, but enduring features of Caribbean life, he pledged.
During their meeting, the Heads of Government are holding discussions on a wide range of matters including the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), transportation, telecommunications, industrial progress, climate change and climate finance, security and the situation in Haiti, according to the release.
“We have much ground to cover over the next few days,” the CARICOM Chair said on Sunday. “While our agenda is undoubtedly ambitious, it reflects a clear and purposeful vision for our Region – one grounded in our shared realities and guided by the need to ensure that our actions are responsive to the people we serve, especially our youth,” he added.
